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Australia has had record flu cases this year – and that’s before winter arrives. What’s going on? (www.theguardian.com)
submitted 2 days ago by vividspecter@lemm.ee to c/australia@aussie.zone
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[-] sqgl@beehaw.org 6 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

And yet the flu vaccine is not mandatory for nursing home staff. I think it used to be pre-Covid but the cookers are winning. In fact there is a global drift away from science, meanwhile flat-earthers are on the rise.

An annual influenza vaccine, prior to the influenza season, is strongly recommended for all staff of residential care facilities, and mandatory for NSW Health staff in category A positions.

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/Influenza/Pages/care-facilities.aspx

[-] vividspecter@lemm.ee 28 points 2 days ago

They should really make it free for everyone if they want increased uptake. It's not exactly expensive, but any price at all is going to disincentivise people.

[-] Salvo@aussie.zone 12 points 2 days ago

Everyone I know wants to get vaccinated, has been vaccinated.

There is a lot of disinformation about COVID and Flu vaccines at the moment and it is surprising how many people are in denial.

But then I look at Seppo-land and the LNP and think “not that surprising after all”.

[-] Ilandar@lemm.ee 9 points 2 days ago

I don't think the flu vaccine ever had a particularly high turnout, though. It's less to do with vaccine scepticism and more to do with the fact that it's optional and requires most people to go out of their way to get done. Couple that with the fact that seemingly every year there is a media campaign to scare people into getting it, and I think a lot of people just switch off. The only group that consistently takes it in high numbers are over-65s.

[-] hitmyspot@aussie.zone 5 points 2 days ago

I've had to go three times to my GP to get it for me and my kids. I'm still unvaccinated and they are vaccinated. Supply issues, fridge breakdown, poor communication. It should be easier.

[-] No1@aussie.zone 3 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

You don't need to go to your GP.

All the big chemist chains, in NSW at least, do it, and you can book online.

The day I decided to get it, I was online at 11am, and booked for 2pm that same day at a local chemist.

[-] hitmyspot@aussie.zone 3 points 1 day ago

Yes, kids need to go to GP and I was getting done at the same time. That's why they are now vaccinated and not me as it will be easier for me to get it going forwards.

[-] DiaDeLosMuertos@aussie.zone 10 points 2 days ago

Because of seeing this article this morning I booked in and just had mine on the way home. Free here in Queensland.

[-] thatKamGuy@sh.itjust.works 7 points 2 days ago

I’m lucky in that my work arranges them for us at no cost. Otherwise I’d never remember to get it done, as it always feels like it’s too early — until it becomes too late!

[-] CoolThingAboutMe@aussie.zone 2 points 1 day ago

Same for me. I struggle to keep on top of the planning for mandatory stuff for my family because I work more than full time and my spouse works full time and it's just hard.

If work didn't organise shots at every office I wouldn't go out of my way to add to my mental load to get it organised for myself.

[-] FreedomAdvocate@lemmy.net.au 4 points 2 days ago

The flu shot is free for everyone........isn't it? It is where I live.

[-] vividspecter@lemm.ee 6 points 2 days ago

In some states like WA and Queensland but not all. It should be nation wide.

[-] FreedomAdvocate@lemmy.net.au 2 points 2 days ago

Agreed, but people need to understand that the flu vaccine is one of the least effective ones there are because the flu is constantly changing, and using some predictions on what it might be like this year based on some of last years strains is a shot in the dark.

I get it every year, with as many strains as they'll give me, and it still hasn't prevented me from getting the flu a number of times.

[-] sqgl@beehaw.org 1 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

Hard to know if the flu you caught was less severe because of the jab.

Also, I heard one should get a second shot mid winter because the formula changes. Anyone know if that is true?

[-] naevaTheRat@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 2 days ago

It's 20 bucks, if you haven't got it and the price is a barrier message me and I'll cover you lmao.

Free would probably be ideal, but realistically people don't get it because they're lazy and don't think of the flu as serious (which for most people, it isn't). It's an education problem, hence the higher rates with oldies.

I'm honestly shocked more jobs don't pay for people to go get it. 1 hour out of the office and 20 bucks and then you don't have a whole week of sick leave. Most bean counters are stupid though, and got their job by doing coke with the right people more than anything else.

[-] hitmyspot@aussie.zone 2 points 1 day ago

Some workplaces, they get someone to come in, so you don't even need to leave work to get it done.

[-] naevaTheRat@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 1 day ago

Fucking riot over that haha, everyone could use the longer lunch.

[-] hitmyspot@aussie.zone 3 points 1 day ago

I don't think it's ever compulsory and some workplaces, it's not easy to step out for a longer lunch. Teachers, for example.

But, if you're in the habit of stepping out, it would be a shame to miss out. I think the problem is most people don't do it.

[-] naevaTheRat@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 1 day ago

I am having trouble understanding what you wrote.

I mean it in the sense, you lose the excuse to take a long lunch getting vaxxed. Not that vaccines are bad. I am not a lunatic, anyone who is even remotely pro social and not significantly unhealthy gets every vaccine they can because being a vector is the ultimate cringe.

this post was submitted on 23 May 2025
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